Peace and love family. Here is another wonderful interview for part 1 of my "Black Legacy" interview series titled, "The Black Man Can." I don't know about you all, but I'm beyond inspired by the Black men I've interviewed for this series so far. If you haven't read the other interview, I encourage you to go read them when you're done with this one, of course.
The brother featured in this article is Barry Alston Ray, a brother I met a few years ago when my brother and I were looking for actors to play a role in a short film we had written together. I had one phone conversation with Barry, then met him on set a few days later. As they say, the rest is history. This brother is the truth! But I ain't gonna tell it all, nah. Read his bio below, and his following interview. Then, purchase his book and get in-tuned with this man's story.
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Barry Alston Ray is an accomplished actor, singer/songwriter, published model, playwright, producer, director, host, and business owner. Born and raised in Corona, Queens, his early years were shaped by faith, morals, principles, and integrity. After being incarcerated in the New York State Department of Correctional Services for over two decades, Barry was released on July 17, 2014, after serving 22 years and 9 months. His journey from prison to success serves as an inspiration to the Black community, especially young Black men, proving that it’s possible to rebuild and thrive despite the odds. Barry is deeply committed to mentoring, empowering others, and preserving Black culture and heritage. He is also the author of ChoirBoy, a book about Black excellence. His personal legacy is defined by his resilience, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of unity and collective progress.
Personal Legacy Journey
Q1: Tell us about your upbringing. What early influences shaped who you are today?
A1: I was born and raised in Corona, Queens, where my foundation was built on faith, morals, principles, and integrity. Growing up in the Church, I began singing and directing choirs at an early age. However, as a teenager, I found myself incarcerated in the New York State Department of Correctional Services, sentenced to 15 years to life. After facing the parole board eight times, I was finally released on July 17, 2014, after serving 22 years and 9 months.
Despite those challenges, I have transformed my life and career, becoming an accomplished actor, singer/songwriter, published model, playwright, producer, director, host, and business owner. My upbringing instilled in me the strength and values that continue to guide me on this journey.
Q2: What inspired you to pursue your career path? Were there pivotal moments that changed your direction or perspective?
A2: When I reentered society after serving 22 years and 9 months, I faced constant setbacks—getting jobs only to be let go a week or two later once my background check came through. After experiencing this cycle repeatedly, a friend encouraged me to register with Central Casting. At first, I was hesitant, but eventually, I took their advice—and that decision changed everything. The rest is history.
Q3: Who have been your biggest role models or mentors, and how have they impacted your journey?
A3: Unfortunately, I didn’t have any personal role models or mentors to guide me when I reentered society. However, I drew inspiration from public figures whose journeys I was familiar with—people like Meek Mill and Remy Ma, who had been through the system and successfully rebuilt their lives. Their stories showed me that it was possible, and I used that as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Community Impact & Responsibility
Q4: How has your work contributed to the Black community?
A4: My work has impacted the Black community in several ways. For years, Black men have been disproportionately affected by incarceration and high recidivism rates. After serving over two decades and coming home to nothing, I was able to build something from the ground up. My journey serves as proof that it is possible to rebuild and succeed despite the odds. I’ve always been open about the struggles I faced upon my return—navigating life without a blueprint, without mentorship, and without clear guidance. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire and provide a roadmap for others facing similar challenges.
Q5: In your opinion, what does Black male leadership look like today, and how can it grow stronger?
A5: Sadly, there isn’t enough visible Black male leadership, especially the kind that uplifts and inspires. Too often, celebrities hold the attention of our people but fail to share wisdom or substance that truly benefits the community. However, there are still dedicated Black men on the ground—mentoring, guiding, supporting, and being the examples we desperately need. Our leadership and influence can grow even stronger when we recognize our collective power. When we embrace unity and put it into action, I believe we will create meaningful, positive, and lasting change.
Q6: How do you empower others, particularly younger Black men, to succeed and leave their own legacy?
A6: Since my return, I have been deeply committed to working with young people through various church and community-based organizations. I recognize both the need and the importance of this work, so it never feels like a burden—it’s a responsibility I embrace. Beyond these formal efforts, I hope to inspire and empower others simply through the way I live my life. Someone once said, “Preach the gospel at all times, and only when necessary, use words.” That philosophy has guided me, and it remains my mission to lead by example every day.
Black Culture & Heritage
Q7: What does Black culture mean to you?
A7: To me, Black culture is about honoring and appreciating the achievements of our people—both past and present. However, I’ve noticed that today, much of the recognition is focused on accomplishments in entertainment and sports. While those areas are significant, Black culture is so much more. Our contributions span every field, and the successes we see now are built on the foundation laid by those who came before us. It’s important to celebrate our full history and the impact we’ve had across all aspects of society.
Q8: How do you stay connected to your heritage, and why is it important for others to do the same?
A8: Staying connected to our heritage is essential because it keeps us grounded and focused. When we remember the sacrifices, the lives lost, and the injustices our people have endured, it serves as a powerful reminder of why we must keep pushing forward. Keeping this awareness at the forefront of our minds helps us make wiser decisions and strengthens our unity, ensuring that we remain resilient and unbreakable as a people.
Q9: What does the word "legacy" mean to you as a Black man?
A9: As a Black man, legacy means creating something meaningful and lasting—something that truly matters. It’s about making a positive impact that endures beyond my lifetime, shaping the future in a way that uplifts and inspires generations to come.
Vision For The Future
Q10: What are your hopes for the future of the Black community?
A10: My hope and prayer for the Black community is that we achieve true unity—transcending economic status, religious beliefs, gender, and any other barriers that have kept us divided. Only together can we reach our full potential and create lasting change.
Q11: What advice would you give to young Black men seeking to define their purpose and build a meaningful legacy?
A11: My advice to young Black men seeking to define their purpose would be:
a) Stay true to yourself.
b) Understand your worth and be proud of the legacy from which you come.
c) Love, cherish, appreciate, honor, and protect Black women.
d) Always remember your role as a man—and as a Black man!
I could go on and on with more, but these are the core principles I’d emphasize.
Q12: How can we, as a collective, work toward a stronger, united future for Black people?
A12: We need to set aside the issues that have divided us, and instead, focus on loving, supporting, and lifting each other up.
Rapid-Fire Insights
Q13: What is your favorite book or movie about Black excellence?
A13: My favorite book about Black excellence is ChoirBoy—written by me!
Q14: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A14: The best advice I’ve received is to always believe in myself more than anyone else believes in me.
Q15: What’s one word that describes your legacy so far?
A15: Remarkable
Q16: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A16: My favorite childhood memory is the trips to West Virginia to visit my grandmother, the only grandparent I had the chance to meet.
Q17: What was your dream as a child?
A17: My dream as a child was to become a famous singer.
Thank you all for reading another interview in this "Black Legacy" interview series. To purchase Barry's book, "Choir Boy", simply hit the following link and place your order now - https://www.amazon.com/ChoirBoy-1-Barry-Alston/dp/1098338561
Remember to leave a comment and then share this article with your people. Thank you.
Peace & Love,
Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston
Founder, Lashawn Marston Enterprises
I’m so gladly proud of Barry Alston . Believe in every words he says. This interviewed is just who he is . He’s a singer, writer, preacher , actor and a caring man . Just, proud of him .
Wonderful interview!